Storms

Jehovah-jireh.

The Lord will provide.

As I have been wrestling with my contract papers, God has given me a few recurring thoughts: the sacrifice of Isaac, provide, and Adonai. I have earnestly sought the counsel and prayer of many believers, and yet, these 3 ideas remain.

Today we had a snow storm. It was my first time having to go to work in a snow storm. I was covered head to toe in white powder in a short 7-minute walk to the office. I didn't teach until after lunch, so I sat in the office with a lot of time to think. And think I did.

In Mark 6, the disciples encounter a storm on the sea of Galilee on their way to Bethsaida. Jesus told them to get into the boat and go to Bethsaida (Mark 6:45). He told them and He knew a storm was going to come. He went up a mountain to pray (Mark 6:46). He saw them in the storm and He let them stay in the storm for a while (Mark 6:48). And in the midst of the storm, the disciples almost missed their Savior. But they didn't. And when they called out to Him, He told them to not be afraid and calmed the storm (Mark 6:48-51). They went to Gennesaret, not Bethsaida (Mark 6:53). Eventually, they get to Bethsaida (Mark 8:22), but they were detoured to Gennesaret, Tyre, Sidon and Dalamanthua before they got to their originally intended destination. Between Gennesaret and Bethsaida, Jesus has a lot to say and teach and show His disciples. I think their detour had a purpose, and Jesus knew that it would.

What does that have to do with my contract papers?

I think I'm in Gennesaret. I got into the boat, a storm hit (thank You, Jesus for coming to my rescue and having people on that boat with me), and I landed in Gennesaret, not Bethsaida, not Corporate America. No, I landed in a tiny isolated village in the middle of nowhere Japan. Like the disciples journey from Gennesaret to Bethsaida, I think Jesus has a lot to say and teach and show me before I get to my originally intended destination.

My Isaac is that corner window office looking over Corporate America. My Isaac is comfort and security. I can say I took it to the altar to sacrifice, but I got up to Mount Moriah hoping, wishing God would provide a sacrifice. I never actually put my Isaac on the altar and took a knife to it with faith that God would do what He promised. I'm not saying God promised me a corner window office and a life of comfort and security. My God promised to provide and I'm stupid enough to think Corporate America is the only means for Him to do that. I'm afraid if I sacrifice, if I really lay down that corner window office that God will provide in a way that will humble me beyond my wildest expectations. Because I went to a good college and earned a difficult degree, people expect me to have a certain job, a certain lifestyle. So what happens when God says He'll provide and it's something completely opposite of what the world is expecting?

Faith.

Faith to believe that God's provisions will be more than enough. Faith to believe that God would be bigger in my life than the expectations of the world. Faith to believe that God doesn't go back on His promises. Faith to believe that God will meet every single one of my needs. Faith to believe that God knows me better than I know myself. Faith to believe that landing in Gennesaret has a purpose and God has a plan.

God is Adonai, my Lord. The One who has superior authority over my life. Every day that I'm here or in America or Jamaica or wherever He leads me, I must die to myself and be obedient to His calling for my life, in the big and small ways. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. And I will know Him and enjoy Him forever.

How long have I been in this storm?

So overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form

Water's getting harder to tread

With these waves crashing over my head

If I could just see you

Everything would be all right

If I'd see you

This darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water

And you will catch me if I fall

And I will get lost into your eyes

I know everything will be alright

I know everything is alright

I know you didn't bring me out here to drown

So why am I ten feet under and upside down

Barely surviving has become my purpose

Because I'm so used to living underneath the surface

If I could just see you

Everything would be all right

If i'd see you

This darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water

And you will catch me if I fall

And I know everything will be alright

I know everything will be alright

"Storm" -- Lifehouse